USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: MAUALUGA MATTER CONSIDERED CLOSED.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF  Staff Writer

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office briefly looked into last week's report of unruly behavior by USC linebacker Rey Maualuga; however, because no police reports or campus security complaints were filed, the matter is considered closed.

USC coach Pete Carroll reprimanded Maualuga following his behavior at a fraternity party on Oct. 7, but said he would handle the punishment ``internally.''

Maualuga needs to remain free of police charges until next May in order for the City Attorney's Office to dismiss last spring's charge of one misdemeanor count of battery after he punched a student at a party.

Punt high: Punter Greg Woidneck is working on kicking balls higher in the air this week because Oregon State punt returner Sammie Stroughter has averaged 17.9 yards per return and scored two touchdowns this season.

``We want to kick the ball up, so he'll have to fair catch it,'' Carroll said.

Under scrutiny: Carroll lectured freshman wide receiver Travon Patterson about catching the ball.

``He wanted me to attack the ball and catch it at its highest point,'' Patterson said. ``Because he's on me, it's a good thing. I've got to know the little things if I want to play.''

Carroll said he also wanted Patterson to concentrate more.

``I've been on him hard to focus,'' Carroll said. ``He's a talented kid. We're trying to establish a mode of higher performance.''

Injury report: Quarterback Mark Sanchez said his sore back felt better and he would be available to play Saturday.

``I'm 100 percent,'' Sanchez said. ``It's been sore but it's never been hurt or uncomfortable. I was asking (quarterback John David Booty) about his back problems to compare and he said, `you've got something totally different.' ''

Another possible problem occurred Wednesday when defensive tackle Chris Barrett twisted his knee and could not practice.

``I should be all right,'' Barrett said. ``It was a little scary.''

Linebacker Luthur Brown (hamstring) is back practicing and might be available this week for special-teams duty.

Redshirt update: Wide receiver David Ausberry is scheduled to redshirt but Carroll said he's officially holding off on making it a final decision in case of injuries.

The same applies to the freshmen offensive and defensive linemen.

Almost 100 percent: Wide receiver Steve Smith is about 85percent recovered from his sprained ankle and Dwayne Jarrett feels 90 percent recovered from his separated shoulder.

Stat of the week: From 1941-1999, USC won every game against Oregon State in which the Trojans scored any points. Their only losses to Oregon State in that period (1946, 1957, 1960 and 1967) were by shutouts.

Baby born: Former quarterback Matt Leinart was in Southern California to witness the birth of his baby son with his former girlfriend, USC basketball player Brynn Cameron of Newbury Park. Cole Cameron Leinart was born early Tuesday morning.

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REY MAUALUGA

Linebacker was reprimaded by coach Peter Carroll for behavior at a fraternity part.